Chikungunya is a disease that spreads via bites of infected mosquitoes. We see a surge in chikungunya cases yearly during or after the monsoon, but this year’s outbreak broke all previous records.
Chikungunya fever is a disease caused by a virus transmitted by mosquitos. The term translates to “fold you up” or “bent down walk” since the illness causes considerable joint and muscular discomfort. The additional signs include an acute high temperature, headache, exhaustion, hives, nausea, and eye redness. Chikungunya symptoms usually occur two to seven days after being bitten by an infected insect.
Chikungunya seldom causes severe diseases or fatalities. The majority recover within a few weeks. Others, however, have joint and muscular discomfort for a long time after getting sick with the virus.
How does Chikungunya disease spread?
Chikungunya is transmitted when a virus-infected mosquito bites a person. Chikungunya does not transfer from direct contact. However, mosquitoes acquire this virus if they bite an infected human. If you are infected, keep away from fresh mosquito bites to prevent the virus from propagating to others. Also, restrict travel.
What are the symptoms of chikungunya?
Chikungunya symptoms often appear anywhere from three to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, however, some people experience complaints as soon as a couple of days or as late as 12 days.
The earliest signs of the chikungunya virus are fever and joint aches. The severity of symptoms might differ based on the individual. Many folks are experiencing terrible joint pain. The fever generally starts unexpectedly.
Additional signs may include:
- Headache.
- Muscle ache.
- Swelling in the joints.
- Rash.
- Fatigue.
- Nausea.
What are the prevention tips for Chikungunya?
- Applying insect repellant. There are sprays, lotions, candles, and other gadgets that assist in keeping mosquitos far away from you. Please follow the label directions to ensure everything you consume is safe and used appropriately.
- Wear clothing that covers your arms, legs, hands, and feet. You may also use aerosols directly on your garment.
- Removing standing water from various locations of your property. Plants, unused tires, containers, birdbaths, and any other vessel that can retain still water are areas where sitting water might accumulate. Mosquitoes prefer to deposit eggs in or close to water.
- Wrap strollers, carriages, and shelters with a mosquito net.
- To keep mosquitos out, keep your entrances and exits closed or use screens.
- Those who have contracted the virus need to prevent getting any further mosquito bites within the initial week. This is mainly because a non-infected mosquito can acquire the infectious agent from you and become infected. The mosquito might then bite other individuals, spreading the infection.
What are the Homeopathic medicines for Chikungunya?
Eupatorium Perfoliatum efficiently treats high fever and severe aches. Pain can occur in joints, muscles, tendons, or the back. Those in need feel as if their bones are shattered. Chills are also present, coupled with aches throughout the body. Vomiting, particularly after chills, may occur. Along with the symptoms listed above, there is extreme weakness and exhaustion.
Bryonia is an effective treatment for fever and joint/muscle discomfort. The main reason to take this prescription is to treat joint or muscle symptoms that intensify with movement and go away after total rest. The joints are swollen and heated, in addition to being painful. In certain circumstances, warm treatment to joints relieves discomfort. Chills are a characteristic feature of fever. There is an elevated thirst, and the mouth becomes dry.
Rhus Tox is a good medicine for fever-induced joint and muscular discomfort. It may be used to treat pain in every joint of your body. A significant aspect of Rhus Tox is the worsening of joint discomfort when resting and alleviation during movement. The joints indicate stiffness and soreness. Rhus Tox can also treat fever-related backaches. Chills associated with a high temperature are also observed, which alternate with warmth in the body.
It is an excellent cure for discomfort in tiny joints. Pain in tiny joints such as the wrist joint, fingertips, ankle, and toe. The afflicted joint may also be swollen. Pain worsens when you touch and move the injured joint.
This natural medicine is ideal for managing painful and bruised symptoms, which occur when the afflicted portion is touched. It looks as if the painful area is being pounded hard or battered. Pain can be generalized or localized to a ligament, muscle, or back. Arnica may be employed to alleviate pain throughout the acute phase and for longer-term discomfort, particularly while recovering from infection.
Gelsemium is a natural remedy that helps with Chikungunya’s weakness. Those in need demonstrate noticeable weakness and an urge to rest. They experience extreme tiredness and sleepiness. There is a significant chill and shivering. Typically, a person doesn’t get thirsty. Muscle pain is prominent, as are headaches and eye heaviness.
Cinchona officinalis (China):
Cinchona officinalis helps treat intermittent fever with thirst before or after chills with severe exhaustion. Debility from exhausting discharges, from loss of vital fluids, together with a nervous erethism, calls for this remedy. Periodicity is most marked.
It is a specialty product from the house of BJain Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., indicated to help treat the symptoms of fever associated with muscular weakness, joint and muscular pains, headaches, loss of appetite, and body aches.
Chikungunya is a disease that spreads yearly during or after the rainy season. It can be prevented by following certain preventive measures. Homeopathy can be a good treatment choice as it can help you with various long-term effects of chikungunya such as joint pains and muscular aches. You should always consult a homeopathic physician before taking homeopathic medicines.
Dr Kiran Swami
Dr. Kiran Swami, BHMS, MD (Hom.), a Research Officer at BJain Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., holds degrees from Nehru Homeopathic Medical College, Delhi, and Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Rajasthan Ayurved University, Jodhpur. With expertise in homeopathy and a passion for research, she drives innovation in holistic healthcare solutions.